It’s Easy Being Green
The Green Team has begun preparations for our celebration of the Planet Earth. A part of this celebration will involve having each grade level team create a project, lesson, or activity celebrating the Planet Earth. Below is listed several ideas you can do with your class/grade. You may choose one of these, or create your own. When you decide, please let us know so that we do not have several of the same projects.

These projects will be due Monday, April 19th to be displayed for the entire week encompassing Earth Day. A display can be as simple as a poster, a tri-fold board, a diorama, table display, or anything you may choose.

Many classes are already doing their part to help the Planet Earth. For example, 2nd graders will be conducting a fundraiser to help preserve the habitat for pandas in China. The 2nd grade team could then create a display showing their work connected to helping pandas.
Ideas
· Make a poster or banner about helping the Planet Earth
· Make a bird feeder
· Plant a garden. Can be done simply in your classroom with small containers and herbs, plants, or flowers.
· Write a story about the Planet Earth
· Determine your carbon footprint and display the results
· Adopt an endangered animal
www.whalenation.org
· Make your own recycled paper
· Organize a “Litter Drive.” Together, pick up litter around the school
· Make cloth bags to sell to promote not using plastic bags
· Make a pledge as a class. For example, only use 1 paper towel each time you dry your hands. Then, present data on why it is important not to waste paper products.
· Write a group letter to a local publication and tell them what you are doing to save our Planet Earth. Or tell them what you wish everyone would do, and why.
· Write a letter to a world leader to let them know what you think about saving the Earth. You can send it to their embassy or consulate.
· Get involved with environmental organizations.
www.earthday.net
www.epa.gov/kids
www.greenpeace.org
www.nature.org
· Conduct an eco-experiment by finding what is biodegradable and what is not. Dig 4 holes and place in each one an apple core, a leaf of lettuce, plastic packaging, and a piece of Styrofoam. Cover with soil. A few weeks later, dig them up and see what you find.

I have several other eco-experiments (science) that include displaying the effects of polluted water, air pollution, being a junk food detective, and thinking beyond ourselves. If you are interested in any of these, please let me know and I will email further details.
If you have any questions, please let us know.